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Old 8th March 2006, 03:33 PM   #3
Ian
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Aussie Bush
Posts: 4,361
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Hi Manolo:

As you noted in your edit, the "Black Sea Yataghan" has been much discussed on these Fora. You will find lengthy debates about whether it is indeed from the Black Sea area, or whether it has a Northern African origin; whether it is derived from a Turkish yataghan or from other influences, etc.

One thing I believe we can agree upon is that it is a relatively late arrival in terms of functional edged weapons, probably dating from the end of the 18th C./early 19th C. up until late 19th C. There may be a couple of styles with one showing more pronounced Ottoman influences in the blade.

I agree with Valjhun when he says they are not well balanced or easy to wield. This is not a sword I would reach for first if I had to defend myself.

Ian.
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